AFS-14-111-E

February 12, 2014

 Exemption No. 10941

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2011-0096

Mr. Lee Soltani

16 Blue Pt.

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Dear Mr. Soltani:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter, dated July 10, 2013, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for 

an exemption from § 65.71(a) (2) of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). This 

exemption would allow you to be eligible for a mechanic certificate, and associated ratings,

although you are hearing impaired and unable to communicate through speech.

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register. The requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in 

acting on this petition would be detrimental to you.

The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to 

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption No. 10221 (copy enclosed), the FAA 

found there are many aviation tasks that a person with hearing and speech impairments can 

perform, without creating unsafe situations. The FAA determined that such disabilities may

not present a safety hazard and that it is in the public interest to train and employ people with 

disabilities in jobs that they are capable of performing.
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Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that they do not differ 

materially from those presented by the petitioner in the enclosed grant of exemption. The 

reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed exemption also applies to the situation 

you present, and a grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

Under the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. §§ 106(f), 40113 and 44701, which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Mr. Lee Soltani an exemption from 

14 CFR § 65.71(a)(2), to the extent necessary to allow him to be eligible for a mechanic 

certificate and associated ratings, although he is hearing impaired and unable to communicate 

through speech, subject to the conditions and limitations described below.

Conditions and Limitations 

1. Mr. Soltani must meet all the other portions of 14 CFR § 65.71(a)(2) and show his ability 

to read, write, and understand the English language.

2. Mr. Soltani must comply with the provisions of 14 CFR § 65.79 by using an interpreter

who will remain neutral in delivery of technical test content as delivered, interpreted, and 

as responded to by applicant.

3. There are some duties that a certificated Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic may 

perform that require a person to be able to speak and hear. A typical example of such a 

duty is the run-up and taxiing of an aircraft. An A&P mechanic, performing these duties,

should be able to speak and hear; therefore, Mr. Soltani should not perform these tasks 

because of safety concerns.

4. This exemption letter must be attached to FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certification 

and/or Rating Application.

5. This exemption number and expiration date must be recorded in the remarks section on

FAA Form 8610-2. The FAA inspector or the designated mechanic examiner reviewing

Form 8610-2 must ensure this is completed prior to the issuance of a temporary 

certificate. 

6. The temporary certificate, FAA Form 8060-4, must contain this exemption number in 

Block XII of the form, as provided to AFS-760, Airman Certification Branch. Any

limitation in the grant letter should be sent to the Department of Transportation, Federal 

Aviation Administration, Airman Certification Branch (AFS-760), Registry Building,

6425 South Denning Road, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73169.

7. Mr. Soltani must provide a copy of this exemption, if requested, to the airman’s 

employer, any potential employer, and any FAA safety inspector in the performance of 

their duties.
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8. Questions about Mr. Soltani’s knowledge, skill testing, or recording process for airman 

certification files should be directed to the Flight Standards Service Regulatory Support 

Division in Oklahoma City or the Flight Standards Service Aircraft Maintenance 

Division in Washington, D.C.

This exemption terminates on February 28, 2016 unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John Barbagallo

Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosure